WASHINGTON, D.C./SEATTLE: Boeing is facing mounting scrutiny after a series of safety lapses and manufacturing issues, with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning that the planemaker has lost public trust and must be held to stricter oversight.

Duffy, speaking late last week, pointed to Boeing's January 2024 mid-air emergency involving a new 737 MAX and the two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 as evidence that the company has strayed from its commitment to safety. He also said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is not yet prepared to lift a cap limiting Boeing's production of the 737 MAX to 38 planes per month.

"When you breach the trust of the American people with that safety and with your manufacturing, we're going to put the screws to you to make sure you change your ways and start doing things right," Duffy said in an interview with Fox News. "They have lost trust."

Duffy traveled to Boeing's 737 factory in Renton, Washington, last week, where he met with CEO Kelly Ortberg and acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau. The visit came in the wake of the January Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 incident, in which a panel blew out mid-flight due to missing bolts. Ortberg is scheduled to testify before Congress on April 2.

Boeing said it was "pleased to show" the officials the progress it is making in strengthening safety and quality, adding that its team is focused on improving culture and rebuilding trust.

Duffy acknowledged Boeing's new leadership is making positive changes but said the company still needs to be held accountable. "They get it, and they are making the changes in manufacturing," he said at a press conference in Seattle. "I think they are making progress, but they still need tough love."

His visit coincided with the sixth anniversary of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash, which killed 157 people and led to significant design and pilot training changes for the 737 MAX.

The FAA imposed the production cap on Boeing in January 2024 following the Alaska Airlines incident. Duffy noted that Boeing is not yet close to reaching that limit but said quality improvements could eventually lead to lifting the cap. "We have to take a risk on them," he said, "but we're not there yet."

Duffy also said President Donald Trump does not want the Department of Transportation to compromise safety but believes Boeing's production restrictions should be loosened when appropriate.

In July, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge and pay at least $243.6 million for violating a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement. The Justice Department said Boeing failed to ensure accurate record-keeping and allowed potentially risky work at its factories.